53% sleep apnea patients also have diabetes and hypertension: Study

A study on the eve of World Sleep Day, an Indian study has revealed that more than 53% of Sleep Apnea suspects are already suffering from either Diabetes or High BP. It also found that the numbers are significantly higher when compared with the other group where the prevalence was only 21%. ​Sumitra Debroy | TNN | March 18, 2016, 12:19 IST

Mumbai: A study on the eve of World Sleep Day, has revealed that more than 53% of Sleep Apnea suspects are already suffering from either Diabetes or High BP. It also found that the numbers are significantly higher when compared with the other group where the prevalence was only 21%.

Experts said that the survey by Philips Healthcare India has established how sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity and irregular heartbeats. The study further showcased that 14% of suspects suffer from cardiac problem. Around 84% admitted to people getting troubled because of their heavy snoring.

It is estimated that India has around 30-35 million sleep apnea patients. "India is a host to diabetic and blood pressure patients, due to the given lifestyle and this only increases the chances of patients also having sleep disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Frequent intervals of breathlessness, excessive loud snoring, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, excessive sleep during the daytime are all common symptoms of a sleep disorder. But the challenge is to make people aware of the condition and its effects that are life-threatening conditions like chronic cardiac conditions, strokes, neurological disorders to name a few," said Dr Abhijeet Deshpande, International Institute of Sleep Sciences, Mumbai.

He added, "The good news is that most sleep disorders are entirely treatable. The bad news is people are oblivious to such problems. With most urban Indians sleeping under six hours due to their lifestyle, India currently is under a large 'sleep debt'. And due to the same reasons these people get susceptible to related diseases like diabetes and hypertension."

The projected numbers show that by 2025, around 70-80 million of India's population will suffer from diabetes and hypertension. "As per experts, the prevalence of sleep apnea in such patients' account for 40-48%," said Udit Goyal, business head- home healthcare, Philips Healthcare India. He said that the study was conducted across the country (Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities) with around 1027 respondents.

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